Those who most obstinately oppose the most widely-held opinions more often do so because of pride than lack of intelligence. They find the best places in the right set already taken, and they do not want back seats.

We are never so generous as when giving advice.

There is great skill in knowing how to conceal one's skill.

For the credit of virtue we must admit that the greatest misfortunes of men are those into which they fall through their crimes.

We rarely ever perceive others as being sensible, except for those who agree with us.

Often we are firm from weakness, and audacious from timidity.

Jealousy lives upon doubts. It becomes madness or ceases entirely as soon as we pass from doubt to certainty.